Ben Fileccia

Ben Fileccia’s 20 years of hospitality experience helped Sbraga, an Esquire “Best New Restaurant” in 2012, earn the number-five spot on Philadelphia magazine’s 2015 list of “The 50 Best Restaurants” and also earned him the title of “Best of Philly: General Manager” in Philadelphia magazine in 2014.

For a director of operations, Fileccia is as hands-on as they come; his passion for hospitality shines through his interaction with restaurant guests, whether he’s stepping in to take their phone reservation or greeting them at the door as they arrive. More importantly, Fileccia possesses a keen ability to lead his team in creating a welcoming space at each of the restaurants of Sbraga Dining Group, which also includes The Fat Ham and the forthcoming Sbraga & Co.

Fileccia originally joined Sbraga as general manager in early 2012, adding on the GM duties for sister restaurant The Fat Ham when he helped open it a year and a half later. Now with Sbraga & Co. opening in the fall of 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida, the director of operations for the restaurant group effectively delegates tasks and works closely with the back-of-house and front-of-house staffs across all three establishments to ensure not only the best service, but also happiness for his team. “It’s all about total respect,” he says. “The restaurant industry is a tough business and climate to work in, whether you’re in the kitchen or the dining room. It’s a labor of love for everyone, and I really respect that. We have common goals, and it’s my job to make sure we meet them together.”